The testing process was facilitated by Util-Assist on behalf of the Ontario Utility Smart Metering (OUSM) working group, a consortium of 57 Ontario LDCs. The OUSM has worked in an educational capacity since 2005. Util-Assist reported the successful results of the Cellnet+Hunt system testing to OUSM members in an AMI evaluation report delivered at the OUSM Working Group Conference on Dec.12, 2007. The system test report provides validation that the Cellnet+Hunt technology meets the requirements of the Ontario Smart Metering Initiative.

“We look at all aspects of how the system performs to gain an understanding of its architecture, how it stores and accesses data, and how it interfaces with other networks,” said James Douglas, president and senior consultant of Util-Assist. “This is hands-on standardized testing the utility can point to when making decisions about a system.”

The OUSM has to date tested 11 technologies, and utilities have installed five of these 11 technologies during Phase I of the Ontario Smart Meter deployment. Cellnet+Hunt completed the testing at its Kansas City National Network Operating Center that currently manages and delivers data from over 14 million meters daily. Util-Assist ran standard test scripts that tested the system architecture not only for its capability to meet and exceed daily interval data requirements, but also for its capability to acquire other operational information that maximizes the value of the AMI.

“Successful completion of this test is another step forward for our North American advanced metering strategy,” said Lee Frank, general manager of Cellnet+Hunt’s RF Mesh product line. “As we continue pursuing opportunities throughout Canada, our demonstrated ability to meet system requirements is a key advantage.”